Haddock with Ritz Crackers
Tender, flaky haddock fillets baked under a golden, buttery blanket of crushed Ritz crackers. A quintessential New England comfort food classic that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 18 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a medium bowl, prepare the topping by combining the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- 3
Pat the haddock fillets completely dry with paper towels
- a.Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish and drizzle evenly with fresh lemon juice.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Divide the cracker mixture evenly among the fillets, pressing it gently onto the surface to form a crust. Sprinkle the paprika over the top for color.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- 6
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute
- a.Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patting the fish completely dry is the most important step for a crispy topping. Any moisture will steam the crackers and make them soggy.
- 2For the best texture, don't pulverize the crackers into a fine powder. A mix of coarse crumbs and small pieces is ideal.
- 3If you don't have haddock, other flaky white fish like cod, pollock, or flounder are excellent substitutes.
- 4Check for doneness at the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking, which can make the fish dry.
- 5For a richer, nuttier flavor, brown the butter in a saucepan before mixing it with the cracker crumbs.
- 6Serve with classic sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple garden salad with vinaigrette.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy
Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese to the cracker mixture for a savory, cheesy crust.
SpicySpicy
Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the topping for a gentle kick of heat.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Mix in 1 tablespoon of other fresh herbs like dill or chives along with the parsley for a more complex flavor profile.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free crackers to make the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Haddock is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This fish provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
Provides Key Vitamins and Minerals
Haddock is a good source of essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
This dish can be part of a healthy diet. Haddock is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, the butter and crackers add a significant amount of calories, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat. It's best enjoyed in moderation.